For Young Drivers, Distracted Driving Is Particularly Dangerous

Young drivers are subject to particular laws when they are behind the wheel. In Texas, novice drivers are prohibited from using cell phones in any way behind the wheel. They are also prohibited from using their cellular phones to text while they’re behind the wheel. While there is not a statewide ban on using cellular phones for fully licensed drivers, young drivers need to stay away from their cell phones when they are behind the wheel.

Dangerous Behavior

One of the biggest mistakes that younger drivers make is overestimating their abilities. Even accomplished drivers do this from time to time but, by and large, one of the most important lessons you learn as you drive for a longer period of time is that you’re not a professionally trained driver, you’re not a police officer and you need to realize your limitations.

One of the limitations that every driver has simply comes from the way that the human brain works. If you’re in a car traveling at 35 miles per hour, you need to focus all of your attention on the direction in which you’re headed and, occasionally, for checking your mirrors to make certain that there are no dangers to the side or behind you. If you’re looking out your cell phone or holding your cell phone up to your ear talking, you’re not paying attention to the road. There’s no sense in arguing about it. You are simply not paying attention to the road if you are using your cell phone.

Pay Attention

When you’re on the road, since you can’t use your cell phone, anyway, if you’re a novice driver, it’s a good idea to just dispense with it altogether. In other words: young drivers, turn your phone off!

If you want to learn how to be a better driver, focus on the road completely. If you have a lot of instances where you end up driving by yourself, these are good opportunities to really learn how highways, freeways, and side streets work.

Take the time to learn how people tend to behave in parking lots, in school zones and in other areas were traffic tends to be slower but where it still presents a significant hazard. Practice entering and exiting the freeway if you need to. Whatever you do, however, don’t pay any attention to your phone when you’re on the road. Whatever somebody needs to call or text you about, it can wait at least until you have an opportunity to pull over in a parking lot, turn off the car and look at it while you are not moving.

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— Attorney Jeffrey Rasansky

A native of Dallas and graduate of SMU's Dedman School of Law, Jeff began his career defending insurance companies and other large businesses. During this time, he gained valuable inside experience which has allowed him to defeat the biggest insurance companies and win substantial verdicts & settlements for victims of automobile accidents. Questions? Call 1-877-331-4156

1 Comment

When you are a young driver without experience, distracted driving is even more dangerous because you don’t have the reflex you need to avoid an accident and you don’t know what to expect from your car.